FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

Chapter 2
COP for the commander. The brigade level team is too small to provide continuous support to the S-2, but
forms improvised geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) cells as necessary to support operations. The
geospatial engineering team requires access to the classified tactical local area network (LAN) and Secret
Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) to update and disseminate geospatial information and
products. The geospatial engineering team has the capability to—
� Generate and analyze terrain data.
� Prepare decision graphics.
� Produce image maps.
� Provide three-dimensional (3-D) terrain perspective views.
� Manage the theater geospatial database.
� Update maps.
� Produce tactical decision aids.
� Produce IPB overlays.
� Operate on a 24-hour basis.
2-28. Geospatial engineering provides commanders with terrain analysis and visualization, which
improves situational awareness (SA) and enhances decisionmaking during planning, preparation,
execution, and assessment. Some example applications of tactical decision aids include—
� Promoting the timely development of the modified combined obstacle overlay (MCOO) during
IPB to identify avenues of approach (AAs), mobility corridors, and choke points.
� Enhancing rehearsals with the use of 3-D fly-throughs or simulations.
� Facilitating the positioning and routing of ground and aerial surveillance assets through
visibility analysis (intervisibility lines and flight line masking).
PARALLEL PLANNING
2-29. Commanders must ensure that plans are sent to subordinates in enough time to allow them to
adequately plan and prepare their operations. Echelons plan in parallel as much as possible to accomplish
plan and prepare their operations. Parallel planning is two or more echelons planning for the same
operation nearly simultaneously. It is facilitated by continuous information sharing by higher headquarters
with subordinate units concerning future operations. Parallel planning requires significant interaction
between echelons. With parallel planning, subordinate units do not wait for their higher headquarters to
publish an OPORD or operation plan (OPLAN) to begin their own planning and orders development
process.
2-30. To facilitate effective parallel planning at the engineer unit level, engineer unit commanders and staff
planners must—
� Understand the higher commander’s intent and planning guidance.
� Analyze the terrain, obstacle intelligence (OBSTINTEL), and threat capabilities.
� Know engineer systems and capabilities to accomplish the identified tasks within the time
allotted.
� Identify risks where engineer capabilities are limited or time is short and identify methods to
mitigate the risks, ensuring that all potential reachback capabilities have been leveraged.
� Consider the depth of the AO and the transitions that occur among operational elements
(integration of environmental considerations).
� Plan for the sustainment of engineer operations. Engineers ensure that all logistical requirements
are analyzed and accounted for to the end state of the operation and resourced to accomplish the
mission and facilitate future operations.
DISTRIBUTED PLANNING
2-31. Digital communications and INFOSYS allow staffs to execute planning without being arranged in a
certain order. Distributed planning saves time and increases the accuracy of available information through
using rapid voice and data transmissions throughout the AO. A prime example is USACE FFE that allows
2-8 FM 3-34.22 11 February 2009